Express Autism Conference 2019

Over the last few years Express has put on many events to raise autism awareness and understanding in the community.

On Wednesday 20th March 2019 we are organising an event for World Autism Awareness, 10:30am - 14:30pm at The Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames including talks, information & product stalls.

Please do spread the word! Talks are suitable for autistic people, parents, professionals, local businesses and anyone who would like to learn more about supporting our young people in our community.

Speakers include Chris Bonnello, Purple Ella, Suzy Rowland, John Williams, & Local Young People

Chris Bonnello
Chris is a former primary school teacher with Asperger's Syndrome, who has also worked in special education. He is now an award-winning writer and speaker on autism issues, and author of autisticnotweird.com. At the age of 10, an educational psychologist reported him as having a 'slightly odd personality'. He grew up believing himself to be the weird kid, until his Asperger Syndrome diagnosis finally came at the age of 25. Since then, he has been able to turn his attitude around and defines himself by his strengths rather than his weaknesses, and encourages other autistic people to see their own strengths.
Chris will be talking about 'Top Tips for Helping Autistic Students' and 'Why Autistic People Don't Get Hired (and how to change this)'
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Purple Ella
I’m Ella, inimitable lover of all things purple. In the Purple family three out of five of us (including me) are on the autistic spectrum. I also have a chronic health condition. So life can be a challenge but also a lot of fun!'
Ella will talk about 'Autism and Mental Health: Strategies, Systems and Support
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Suzy Rowland
Suzy is a local parent keen to share insights and experience of raising and educating an autistic child. After a long fight to get a diagnosis for her son and a longer struggle to find the right school for him, she set up the H.I.S project (HappyinSchool).
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John Williams
John, our Patron is a comedian and author (My Son's Not Rainman).
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Young people from Kingston
Please do come and listen to local young people from Kingston who are keen to help Express raise autism awareness and understanding. They would like to share their experiences of growing up on the autism spectrum.
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All of the talks are subsidised by Express and therefore provided on a donation basis. In order to bring this event to you we are requesting a donation of £5 per talk booked.

Please note that due to the availability of space and the speakers some of the talks will overlap. This will also ensure that as many attendees as possible should be able to see at least two talks. Please make sure that you only book on to talks that you will have time to see bearing in mind that you may have to move to another space in the theatre. There will also be information stalls at the event so please allow yourself time to have a look around.